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Barbers in Manchester

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor

Guys, we’ve all been there. You step off the train in a new city, for a business meeting or big night out, and you suddenly realise your barnet is more Catweazle than George Clooney. If you’re in Manchester, you’re in luck. The city has an abundance of hairdressers for men, ranging from fiercely traditional barbers to cutting edge coiffeurs. Whatever your style, there’s a pair of scissors with your name on them.

Looking for a haircut so good, you’ll come back to the city for more? Read on.

Our top picks

The Portland Barbers

The Portland Barbers, Unit 22 Hatch, Oxford Rd,, Manchester, M1 7ED - Visit now

In a short time, Hatch has become one of the most vibrant and vital districts of the city, with everything from smart gift shops to top-class street food. It needs a barbershop to match, and with The Portland Barbers it has the perfect fit.

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Rubber Soul

Rubber Soul, 16 Whittle Street, Manchester, M4 1LT - Visit now

Based in the heart of the thriving Northern Quarter, Rubber Soul towers over the competition when it comes to stylish and affordable haircuts. With a soundtrack of blues, rock and the best local bands, Rubber Soul is championed by all manner of Manchester-based musicians looking for something a little more special than short back and sides. Headed by the expert men’s hairdresser Davey, and his equally-skilled colleague Leanne, this hidden gem is no bog-standard stuffy barbers. Word of mouth is everything when it comes to great haircuts, and there’s a good reason people travel here from around the country.

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Crown Barbers

Crown Barbers, Campfield Arcade, 300 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4FH - Visit now

Want a quick, no-fuss trim? Crown Barbers on Deansgate is an excellent choice. Always busy and impressively consistent, this is tailor-made for the city gent with no time to spare.

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RPB

RPB, 35 Tib Street, Manchester, M4 1LX - Visit now

Another Northern Quarter gem, RPB aka Ross Paralane’s Barber shop, is a relative newcomer to the city but has already become a firm favourite with local footballers, both City and United. Best of all? It’s the only barbershop in Manchester with an alcohol license. Perfect if you want to start your night early.

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Barbarella

Barbarella, 34-36 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JN

Retro by name, retro by nature, Barbarella hairdressers has been tucked away at the back of the city’s leading vintage emporium, Pop Boutique, for longer than anyone can remember. Hairstyles might change but the space has remained admirably resistant to change, right down to the Jane Fonda prints from the sixties sci-fi film it took its name from.

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Flanagans

Flanagans, 41 King Street West, Manchester, M3 2PW - Visit now

Based on Manchester’s equivalent of Carnaby Street, this King Street barbers has a suitably high-end feel, full of dark leather and traditional wood panelling. It’s a gentleman’s establishment, providing hairstyles to match.

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Where to go in Manchester

Grafton Arms
Manchester
Bar or Pub
Grafton Arms

Grafton Arms has undergone an impressive revamp. The Eagle Inn team have turned this traditional pub into a standout live venue and drinking destination.

Proloco
Manchester
Restaurant
Proloco

Honest Crust’s Richard Carver and Rainy Heart’s Dan Hope join forces at Proloco, a music-led Ancoats restaurant serving 18-inch pizzas and seasonal plates.

City Centre
Restaurant
GiGi Gusto Griglia

GiGi is a lavish Italian restaurant just off Deansgate, with 1950s décor and a menu that sticks to the classics.

Manchester
Restaurant
Dahlia Stereo

Dahlia Stereo is a Latin American-inspired open-fire kitchen and bar off the Northern Quarter’s Stevenson Square, with a pitch perfect soundsystem.

Balance Taproom
Manchester
Restaurant
Balance Taproom

Manchester has a glut of taprooms, and Balance Brewing’s is far and away the best. Drinks, decor, service – all a cut above.

Richard Hards ‘Strangeways’
Manchester
Gallery
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Manchester
Gallery
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City Centre
Bar or Pub
Schofield’s Bar

Schofield’s could be Manchester’s most grown-up bar. Very precise drinks in an upmarket city centre venue. It’s not cheap, hey, but true class costs.

Manchester
Restaurant
Sampa

Sampa’s underground space is the perfect place to learn about both her new mind-expanding dishes and vintage sherries, reimagined for the late 2020s.

Northern Quarter
Restaurant
Sicilian NQ

Busy backstreet Sicilian restaurant in the Northern Quarter, serving up traditional dishes with well-executed vegan versions that more than match up.

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